Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 9:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 9:54 p.m.

"D.J. has always wanted to be a Division I player, and now he's going to be," Laughter said on Wednesday night. "Presbyterian was the first ones on him, and they told him he'd be able to compete for a starting job immediately. He's the No. 1 receiver on their (recruiting) board. He's going to get to play a bunch right away, and that's one of the main reasons he picked them."

Wilson was the lone area player to be selected to the Shrine Bowl this year. The Times-News All-Area selection had 44 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 6-0, 188-pound senior was also a defensive back and had 44 tackles, two interceptions and four sacks.

He helped lead the Bearcats to a 12-2 overall record and a perfect 7-0 record in the Western Highlands Conference.

"He was someone who could score at any time," Laughter said. "But a lot of people forget that he was a great defensive player for us, too. He hardly ever came off the field. I think he filled five roster spots. He was a kid that we really depended on for leadership. Even through our hard times on and off the field, he was a solid rock for us. He was someone who everyone could turn to."

The Bearcats ended up falling to Swain County in the third round of the 1-AA state playoffs.

Laughter said Hendersonville has tentatively set Wilson's signing date for Feb. 6 at the high school.

<p>Hendersonville senior wide receiver D.J. Wilson has officially committed to Presbyterian, according to Bearcat football coach B.J. Laughter.</p><p>"D.J. has always wanted to be a Division I player, and now he's going to be," Laughter said on Wednesday night. "Presbyterian was the first ones on him, and they told him he'd be able to compete for a starting job immediately. He's the No. 1 receiver on their (recruiting) board. He's going to get to play a bunch right away, and that's one of the main reasons he picked them."</p><p>Wilson was the lone area player to be selected to the Shrine Bowl this year. The Times-News All-Area selection had 44 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 6-0, 188-pound senior was also a defensive back and had 44 tackles, two interceptions and four sacks.</p><p>He helped lead the Bearcats to a 12-2 overall record and a perfect 7-0 record in the Western Highlands Conference.</p><p>"He was someone who could score at any time," Laughter said. "But a lot of people forget that he was a great defensive player for us, too. He hardly ever came off the field. I think he filled five roster spots. He was a kid that we really depended on for leadership. Even through our hard times on and off the field, he was a solid rock for us. He was someone who everyone could turn to."</p><p>The Bearcats ended up falling to Swain County in the third round of the 1-AA state playoffs.</p><p>Laughter said Hendersonville has tentatively set Wilson's signing date for Feb. 6 at the high school.</p>